The ancient art of storytelling is a 21st Century cultural phenomenon, and Queen Anne’s County will be the newest community to join the storytelling revival this April.

The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council, in partnership with Chesapeake College, presents the first Queen Anne’s County Storytelling Festival on April 29 and 30 in three venues on the college’s campus. Performers will include nationally-touring, professional storytellers such as Andy Irwin and Dolores Hydock.

While storytelling events draw thousands of patrons in many areas of the country, this will be the first storytelling festival on the Eastern Shore.

Featured storyteller Andy Irwin is an actor and musician who has vast performing experience, but storytelling brings him closer to an audience than music or comedy.

“Storytelling has a broad appeal because it’s an art form that connects with people in an intimate way,” said Irwin, who creates many characters from a small Georgia town. “It doesn’t matter where you live or how old you are, the characters in stories really speak to you.  I love looking out into the audience and seeing the reactions as these stories unfold.”

The featured event line-up also includes well-known storytellers Michael Reno Harrell, Ed Stivender and Kim Weitkamp.

“Come and spend a weekend on Maryland’s Eastern Shore listening to stories of adventure and excitement.  We are thrilled to be able to offer such a wide variety of performers; sure to appeal to everyone from kids to adults.  We have dedicated one theatre to highlight the heritage of the Eastern Shore.  We will feature local storytellers and demonstrations that focus on the life and history of watermen that make their living from the Chesapeake Bay”, Belinda Cook, QAC Arts Council Executive Director said.  “I am confident you will be transported to a place where memories and magic are captured and woven into tales that will make you laugh and cry”, Cook went on to say.

With more than 900 seats in the Todd Performing Arts Center and the 120-seat Cadby Studio Theatre, Chesapeake is an ideal location for this community arts event. Patrons will also enjoy family-friendly outdoor concerts and activities across the campus. The event will include food vendors and free parking.

“Chesapeake College is an integral part of the arts and cultural community here on the Shore, and we’re excited to be a part of this inaugural festival,” said Chesapeake President Dr. Barbara A. Viniar.

Event sponsors include: Queen Anne’s County Commissioners, Queen Anne’s County Library, Fisherman’s Inn & Crab Deck, Queenstown Bank, Kelly Distributors and Priceless Industries.

For tickets and more information, please visit the event website at www.chesapeakestorytelling.com